June 3, 2010

Flames and Embers

Ever since the early Mass this morning, I've been grateful for this line from the second letter of Paul to Timothy:

"I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands."

I find that so encouraging, because it suggests to me that there is something to stir! A priest once told me that I "seemed to have a desire for prayer." I almost cried, it was such a beautiful compliment. But I don't always feel like I'm on fire with that desire for God, or even furnished with enough fervor to get through the day with what feels like adequate devotion.

St. Paul's words remind me that even when I don't perceive in myself much of a fire for God, my religious life, or my priesthood, the fire is still there, smoldering quietly. It is my free choice whether or not I can surrender to God or consent to his grace enough on any particular day to have the embers stirred into flame. But the fire of desire for God is still there no matter what, because God has made us that way.

3 comments:

Br. Charles,Thank you for this encouraging reflection on today's reading and the reminder that God has made us to desire Him.PS- saw your comment about Christian dot com on your sidebar. I've gotten several comments from them as well- I never publish them- not sure who they are.Thanks again for the reflection and God Bless!

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I hereby renounce anything I may have posted to this blog which is contrary to Sacred Scripture as it has been authentically interpreted by the Apostles and their legitimate successors gathered in ecumenical council and in union with our Holy Father, the successor of St. Peter, or is contrary to the Rule of our holy father St. Francis as glossed by his Testament to the friars.